Device holder and solar powered charger unit for smart device cooler

ABSTRACT

A solar powered cooler for a smart device such as a smartphone or smart tablet is provided, optionally with a device holder and a solar powered charger unit. The cooler may include an upper fan casing, an optional bottom fan casing, smart device holder, and an air passage formed between the upper fan casing and the smart device holder. The heat dissipation structure of the smart device holder for holding a smart device is disposed in the close proximity space of the smart device to provide a good heat dissipation effect by way of active cooling (forced convection) and passive cooling (natural convection) so as to enhance the heat dissipation performance of the smart device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This case is a continuation-in-part of parent case, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/911,154, filed Mar. 4, 2018, which claimsbenefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/600,948, filed onMar. 6, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference intheir entireties. This case also claims benefit of priority to U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 63/205,117, and to benefit of priorityto U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63/205,292, the disclosures ofwhich are also incorporated in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fans and, more specifically,to a solar powered cooling unit which provides a housing that can becomfortably hand held with a smart device.

Description of Related Art

There is a need for solar cooling units. For example, a number of solarpowered fan devices have been designed for personal cooling orventilation. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,645 issued toWolfe, et al. on Feb. 13, 1990.

Another patent was issued to Hwang on Nov. 27, 1990 as U.S. Pat. No.4,974,126. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,169 was issued to Chen onJan. 22, 1991, and still yet another was issued on Sep. 3, 1991 to Wu,et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,258.

Another patent was issued to Juang on Sep. 22, 1992 as U.S. Pat. No.5,148,736. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,265 was issued to Kawaguchi,et al. on Oct. 5, 1993. Another was issued to Ferng on Dec. 31, 1996 asU.S. Pat. No. 5,588,909, and still yet another was issued on Mar. 7,2000 to Asenguah, et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,291.

Another patent was issued to Sibbe on May 30, 1984 as German Patent No.DE3337241. Yet another U.K. Patent No. GB2241378 was issued to Forsython Aug. 28, 1991. Another was issued to Takahashi on Oct. 3, 1995 asJapan Patent No. JP7253096, and still yet another was issued on Jul. 18,2003 to Sha as Japan Patent No. JP2003201990. Another patent was issuedto Patel on Jan. 11, 2011 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,866,958.

There is also a need for holders for smart devices. Typical of these isU.S. Pat. No. 8,861,714 issued to Leibenhaut et al on Oct. 14, 2014.Another patent was issued to Crome et al. on Apr. 23, 2013 as U.S. Pat.No. 8,428,665. Another patent was issued to Leibenhaut, et al on Oct.20, 2015 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,167,062. Yet another patent application wassubmitted by Chu on Sep. 15, 2014 as U.S. Pat. App. Publ. No.2016/0076547.

Another patent was issued to An et al on Dec. 13, 2016 as U.S. Pat. No.9,521,224, and still yet another was issued on Apr. 29, 2014 to Trinh etal as U.S. Pat. No. 8,711,553.

Yet another patent application was submitted by Ross III on Sep. 17,2009 as U.S. Pat. App. Publ. No. 2009/0233656. Yet another patentapplication submitted by Backman et al on Oct. 18, 2015 as U.S. Pat.App. Publ. No. 2015/0283950.

There is a further need solar power car ventilators. Typical of these isU.S. Pat. No. 5,148,736 issued to Juang on Sep. 22 1992 and still yetanother was issued on Oct. 8, 2011 to Tarnowsky et al as U.S. Pat. No.8,039,988.

There is also a need for heat dissipation for mobile devices. A patentwas issued C. Lin et al. on Jul. 5, 2016 as U.S. Pat. No. 9,381,717. Yetanother patent application submitted by T. Huang on May 2, 2006 as U.S.Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2007/0258206.

Additional information relating to thermal issues associated with smartdevices can be found in S. Kang et al. “Fire in your hands:Understanding thermal behavior of smartphones”, MobiCom '19, Oct. 21-25,2019, Los Cabos, Mexico.

In order to prevent alien article and moisture from entering theinterior of a mobile device, the mobile device is generally simplyformed with earphone port or connector port without any other opening incommunication with ambient air. Therefore, convection can hardly takeplace between the internal air of the mobile device and the ambient air.

However, none of the above-identified publications specificallyaddresses drawbacks associated with the heat generated by batterypowered smart devices. Similarly, none of the above-identifiedpublication addresses drawbacks associated with the operation of smartdevices in excessively hot environments.

Thus, opportunities exist to_provide an easily carriable fan for smartdevices such as smart phone and smart tablets with one or more solarpanels, which can be used outdoors with no power supply. Additionalopportunities exist to provide improvements to existing technologiesusing passive cooling (natural convection) characteristics of the smartdevice holder for holding a smart device by allowing the dissipation ofthermal heat to cool the bottom surface of a smart device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention is to provide one or more solarpowered fans for smart devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide compactrectangular housing that can be comfortably hand held powered by meansof one or more solar panels. The intensity of solar energy may work tocontrol power to one or more fan motors.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a small,portable solar panel to power the one or more fans.

In a first embodiment, then, a solar powered cooler is provided for asmart device such as a smartphone or smart tablet. The cooler includesan upper fan casing, an optional bottom fan casing, smart device holder,and an air passage formed between the upper fan casing and the smartdevice holder. Also provided are one or more cooling fans drawing airinto the air passage along a substantially vertical direction. One ormore solar panels allows the cooler to harvest solar energy and deliverelectric power to the one or more fans, or motors thereof. The solarpanels are connected by one or more, e.g., a pair of, connector cablesto the motor.

Optionally, a solar panel protector cover may be provided over the solarpanel. The cover may include a clear plastic window and may be securedto the solar panel with snap fastener and insert elements.

Typically, the one or more cooling fans are located between the upperand lower fan casings, and each fan rotate about a substantiallyvertical axis to draw air into the air passage along the substantiallyvertical direction. In addition (or in the alternative), one or morecooling fans may rotate about a horizontal axis.

Thus, one or more vent holes may be formed in the upper and/or lower fancasing. Air drawn in by the one or more cooling fans may be forcedthrough the air passage and discharged through the one or more ventholes in order to cool the bottom surface of a smart device in the smartdevice holder.

The smart device holder is typically constructed to contain a smartdevice such as a smartphone or smart tablet. The holder may have aconstruction that allows horizontal airflow over a bottom surface of thesmart device. Optionally, the holder allows the smart device to besecurely attached to the upper fan casing, e.g., by magnetic means.

In another embodiment, a solar powered cooler similar to the embodimentdescribed above is provided, wherein the upper fan casing including oneor more vent holes. The bottom fan casing may include one or more airinlet holes. The upper and lower fan casings define an air passage toallow air to flow from the air inlet holes to the one or more ventholes. The one or more air inlet holes may be located at an edge or nearan edge of the bottom fan casing. Air drawn in by the one or morecooling fans may be forced out through the air passage in a horizontaldirection and discharged through the one or more vent holes in order tocool the smart device.

In a further embodiment, a solar powered cooler similar to theembodiment described above is provided, wherein the one or more airinlet holes are located at an edge or near an edge of the bottom fancasing. One or more cooling fans are located on the bottom fan casingcovering the one or more air inlet holes, wherein the one or morecooling fans are located between the upper fan casing and the bottom fancasing.

The upper surface of a smart device holder for holding a smart devicemay address the passive cooling (natural convection) characteristics ofsmart devices to cool the bottom surface of a smart device. The thermalheat generated by a smart device escapes from the smart device holder bypassive cooling (natural convection) when the smart device holder isused as a standalone component of this invention in the absence of solarpower.

In a further embodiment, the upper surface of a smart device holder forholding a smart device addresses the active cooling (forced convection)characteristics of smart devices to cool the bottom surface of a smartdevice by providing active cooling (forced convection) by forcing thethermal heat generated to escape from the smart device holder. Air drawnin by the one or more cooling fans may be forced through the air passageand discharged through the one or more vent holes in order to cool thebottom surface of a smart device in the smart device holder.

Additional embodiments of the invention are possible. For example, asolar powered cooler for a smart device may be provided. The cooler maycomprising: an upper fan casing; a bottom fan casing; a smart deviceholder for holding a smart device; one or more cooling fans effective todraw air into an air passage formed between the upper fan casing and thesmart device holder, thereby forcing air to flow along a substantiallyvertical direction toward a bottom surface of the smart device in asubstantially horizontal orientation; and one or more solar panels forharvesting solar energy and delivering electric power to the one or morecooling fans, the one or more solar panels connected to the one or morefans via one or more connector cables.

Further provided is a solar powered cooler for a smart device thatcomprises: an upper fan casing including one or more vent holes; abottom fan casing including one or more air inlet holes located at ornear an edge of the bottom fan casing, the upper and bottom fan casingdefining an air passage to allow air flow from the one or more air inletholes to the one or more vent holes; a smart device holder for holding asmart device to dissipate thermal heat generated by smart device to bereleased by active cooling (forced convection) forced through the airpassages and discharged through the one or more vent holes in order tocool the bottom surface of a smart device in the smart device holder;one or more cooling fans effective to draw air into the air passage soas to force air to flow along a substantially vertical direction throughthe one or more vent holes toward a bottom surface of the smart device;and one or more solar panels for harvesting solar energy and deliveringelectric power to the one or more cooling fans, the one or more solarpanels connected to the one or more fans via one or more connectorcables.

Additionally provided is a cooler comprising: a smart device holder todissipate thermal heat generated by smart device to be released bypassive cooling (natural convection) and radiation forced through theair passages and discharged through the one or more vent holes in orderto cool the bottom surface of a smart device in the smart device holderwhen the smart device holder is used as a standalone component; and theupper surface of smart device holder addresses the passive cooling(natural convection) characteristics of smart devices to cool the bottomsurface of a smart device by allowing the thermal heat generated toescape from the smart device holder by passive cooling (naturalconvection) when the smart device holder is used as a standalonecomponent.

Alternatively, a solar powered cooler may include: an upper fan andcharger unit casing; a bottom fan and charger unit casing; a smartdevice holder for holding a smart device; one or more charger units forcharging the power supply for a smart device; one or more cooling fanseffective to draw air into an air passage formed between the upper fancasing and the smart device holder, thereby forcing air to flow along asubstantially vertical direction toward a bottom surface of the smartdevice in a substantially horizontal orientation; and one or more solarpanels for harvesting light energy and delivering electric power to theone or more cooling fans and one or more charger units for charging thepower supply for a smart device, the one or more solar panels connectedto the one or more fans and one or more charger units via one or moreconnector cables.

Further alternatively, the cooler may include: an upper fan and chargerunit casing including one or more vent holes and one or more receivingholes for charger units; a bottom fan and charger unit casing includingone or more air inlet holes located at or near an edge of the bottom fanand charger unit casing, the upper and bottom fan and charger unitcasing defining an air passage to allow air flow from the one or moreair inlet holes to the one or more vent holes and one or more receivingholes for charger units; a smart device holder for holding a smartdevice; one or more cooling fans effective to draw air into the airpassage so as to force air to flow along a substantially verticaldirection through the one or more vent holes toward a bottom surface ofthe smart device; and one or more solar panels for harvesting lightenergy and delivering electric power to the one or more cooling fans andone or more charger units, the one or more solar panels connected to theone or more fans and one or more charger units via one or more connectorcables.

Still further alternatively, the cooler for a smart device may comprise:an upper fan casing including one or more vent holes; a bottom fan andcharger unit casing including one or more air inlet holes located at ornear an edge of the bottom fan casing, the upper and bottom fan casingdefining an air passage to allow air flow from the one or more air inletholes to the one or more vent holes; a smart device holder for holding asmart device; one or more cooling fans and one or more charger unitslocated between the upper and lower fan and charger unit casings, theone or more cooling fans covering the one or more air inlet holeseffective to draw air into the air passage so as to force air to flowalong a substantially vertical direction toward a bottom surface of thesmart device and the one or more charger units capable of charging powersupply for the smart device; and one or more solar panels for harvestingelectromagnetic energy in the form of light and delivering electricpower to the one or more cooling fans and one or more charger units, theone or more solar panels connected to the one or more fans and one ormore charger units via one or more connector cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single fan solar powered cooler for asmart device such as a smartphone or smart tablet, in accordance withthe parent case.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the single fan solar poweredcooler of FIG. 1 with the corresponding smart device holder, inaccordance with the parent case.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a single fan solar powered cooler, in accordancewith the parent case.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the single fan solar powered cooler of FIG. 1with the corresponding smart device holder, in accordance with theparent case.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the single fan solar powered cooler, inaccordance with the parent case.

FIG. 6 is the rear view of the single fan solar powered cooler of s ofFIG. 1 with the corresponding smart device holder, in accordance withthe parent case.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the single fan solar powered coolerof FIG. 3 with the corresponding smart device holder along cut linesVII-VII, in accordance with the parent case.

FIG. 8 is a condensed exploded perspective view of the single fan solarpowered cooler of FIG. 2, in accordance with the parent case.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dual fan solar powered cooler for asmart device such as a smartphone or smart tablet, in accordance withthe parent case.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the dual fan solar poweredcooler of FIG. 9 with the corresponding smart device holder, inaccordance with the parent case.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a dual fan solar powered cooler, in accordancewith the parent case.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the dual fan solar powered cooler of FIG. 9with the corresponding smart device holder, in accordance with theparent case.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the dual fan solar powered cooler of FIG. 9with the corresponding smart device holder, in accordance with theparent case.

FIG. 14 is the rear view of the dual fan solar powered cooler of dualfan solar powered cooler of FIG. 9, in accordance with the parent case.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the dual fan solar powered cooler ofFIG. 11 with the corresponding smart device holder along cut linesXIII-XIII, in accordance with the parent case.

FIG. 16 is a condensed exploded perspective view of the dual fan solarpowered cooler of FIG. 10, in accordance with the parent case.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the smart device holder for the singlefan solar powered cooler of FIG. 2.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the smart device holder for the dualfan solar powered cooler of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to specific separationdevices or types of analytical instrumentation, as such may vary. It isalso to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting.

In addition, as used in this specification and the appended claims, thesingular article forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include both singular andplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “a fan” includes a plurality of fans as wellas a single fan, reference to a “solar panel” includes a single solarpanel as well as a combination of solar panels, and the like.

Furthermore, terminology indicative or suggestive of a particularspatial relationship between elements of the invention is to beconstrued in a relative sense rather an absolute sense unless thecontext of usage clearly dictates to the contrary. For example, theterms “over” and “on” as used to describe the spatial orientation of afirst item relative to a second item does not necessarily indicate thatthe first item is located above the second item. Thus, in a cooler thatincludes a holder placed on or over a smart device, the holder may belocated above, at the same level as, or below the smart device dependingon the cooler's orientation. Similarly, an “upper” surface of a smartdevice may lie above, at the same level as, or below other portions ofthe device depending on the orientation of the device.

In general, then, the invention pertains to units associated with smartdevices. The inventive units typically have a small, compact,rectangular design that includes a fan and may be easily stored andtransported on one's person, in a brief case or beach bag. The heatdissipation structure of the smart device holder for holding a smartdevice is disposed in the close proximity space of the smart device toprovide a good heat dissipation effect by way of active cooling (forcedconvection) and passive cooling (natural convection) so as to enhancethe heat dissipation performance of the smart device. The smart deviceholder for holding a smart device to dissipate thermal heat generated bysmart device to be released by active cooling (forced convection) andpassive cooling (natural convection) forced through the air passages anddischarged through the one or more vent holes in order to cool thebottom surface of a smart device in the smart device holder. The passivecooling (natural convection) characteristics of the smart device holderfor holding a smart device allows dissipation of thermal heat to coolthe bottom surface of a smart device by allowing the thermal heatgenerated to escape from the smart device holder when the smart deviceholder is used as a standalone component of this invention in theabsence of solar power.

The thermal heat generated by a smart device escapes from the smartdevice holder by passive cooling (natural convection) when the smartdevice holder is used as a standalone component of this invention in theabsence of solar power.

Smart device users have recognized thermal problems, as many reviews andarticles, empirically highlight the smart device overheating issues.Heat, if not handled properly, can not only degrade the processors'performance and damage the battery, but also degrade user experiences,aggravate a thermal regulatory disorder, and pose health threats (e.g.,thermal pain, skin burns, skin aging). Overheating problem is well knownin the field of electronic devices and various cooling technologies havebeen proposed (e.g., using proper thermal conductivity materials,dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), etc.).

Measurements of the surface temperature of a wide range of smart devicessuch as Android reference phones (Nexus 5, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Pixel, andPixel 6. iOS phones (iPhone 7, iPhone 7+, and iPhone 8), and Androidphones (Galaxy S7 and Huawei P20) by considering representativeworkloads such as video chatting, video recording, voice calling,gamming, and charging (with and without running applications) have beenconducted. These were applications that are often used in our dailylives. It was concluded that the small form factor and light weightrequirements of smart devices prevent the adoption of active cooling,such as force air, and smart devices thus mostly rely on passive cooling(natural convection).

Smart devices are comprised of multiple layers of electric components(integrated circuits and wires) with different thermal conductivitiesthat generate heat due to power dissipation and Joule heating. Becauseof the layers' wide surface area and thinness, heat transfer mostlyoccurs in vertical directions across multiple layers, while relativelyminor transfer occurs in horizontal directions. This means that moreheat transfer occurs via conduction than convection, and the air gapbetween layers acts as an insulator. Overall, the heat generated from anumber of heat sources is transferred through the adjacent materials andis finally released to the atmosphere. Typically, the rate oftemperature change steadily decreases and reaches the steady-state(called the steady-state temperature).

However, the small form factor and light weight requirements of smartdevices prevent adopting active cooling (forced convection) and smartdevices thus mostly rely on passive cooling (natural convection).Besides these cooling techniques, thermal management also happens at anelectronic component level. Modern application processors (APs) supportDVFS and central processing unit (CPU) hot-plug to manage powerconsumption and protect devices from overheating. A thermal protectionmechanism suppresses temperature increase by reducing power consumptionvia lowering operating voltage/frequency of a CPU, or turning off CPUcores.

The thermal management in some smart devices is carried out by thekernel's thermal engine. This engine monitors CPU temperatures fromon-die sensors and controls the temperature by mainly using twoalgorithms: dynamic control and threshold control. The dynamic controlalgorithm checks whether the core temperatures exceed the thresholdvalues and determines whether to throttle clock frequency or turn offcores. The threshold values are manufacturer-dependent and set by thethreshold control algorithm. Some smart device manufacturers alsoimplement an additional thermal protection mechanism by which a deviceis shut down when the battery temperature exceeds the threshold (e.g.,68° C.). In practice, device manufactures may configure differentthresholds owing to the heterogeneity of temperature sensors and devicecharacteristics.

Thermal concerns are broadly classified as follows: performancedegradation, negative user experiences, and health risks. Systemperformance degrades as the temperature increases as mobile thermalmanagement algorithms throttle operating CPU clock frequencies andswitch off cores when devices overheat. In addition, overheating couldhamper user experience and might even result in skin damage. Discomfortdue to overheating is a concern that smart device users often complain.

Thus, in this specification and in the claims that follow, referencewill be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have thefollowing meanings, unless the context in which they are employedclearly indicates otherwise:

The terms “electronic,” “electronically,” and the like are used in theirordinary sense and relate to structures, e.g., semiconductormicrostructures, that provide controlled conduction of electrons, holesand/or other charge carriers.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently describedcircumstance may or may not occur, so that the description includesinstances where the circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The term “smart device” is used herein in its ordinary sense and refersto an electronic device, generally connected to other devices ornetworks via different wireless protocols such as Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi,3G, etc., that can operate to some extent interactively andautonomously. Exemplary smart devices include

The term “solar panel” is used herein in its ordinary sense and refersto a photovoltaic panel designed to absorb sunlight and/or otherphotonic radiation as a source of energy for generating electricity.

The terms “active cooling” (forced convection) and “passive cooling”(natural convection) are used herein in their ordinary sense and referto a smart device holder that enhances the heat dissipation performanceof the smart device.

In general, the invention provides an easily carriable or portablecooler that includes a fan powered by with one or more solar panels. Thefan directs air toward a holder for a smart device such as a smart phoneor a smart tablet, thereby cooling the smart device. The cooler can beused outdoors with no power supply, and overcomes the shortcomings ofthe prior art. That is, a solar powered smart device fan is providedwith a much broader spectrum of both portable and fixed operatingapplications, whereas prior art is application specific.

In some embodiments, the upper surface of a smart device holder forholding a smart device addresses the passive cooling (naturalconvection) characteristics of smart devices to cool the bottom surfaceof a smart device. The thermal heat generated by a smart device escapesfrom the smart device holder by passive cooling (natural convection)when the smart device holder is used as a standalone component of thisinvention in the absence of solar power.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which like referencenumbers denote like elements throughout the several views, variousembodiments of the invention are depicted. With regard to the referencenumerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the variousdrawing figures for single fan embodiments of the invention.

-   -   18 protective grille for 20 fan blade    -   20 fan blade    -   24 protective grille insertion pegs    -   34 magnet holders for the upper fan casing    -   37 magnet holder placement peg    -   40 smart device air flow passage    -   42 circular vent holes for 60 front fan motor    -   46 receiving hole for 50 front fan motor spindle    -   50 fan motor spindle    -   58 upper fan casing for 60 front fan motor    -   60 front fan motor    -   68 electric connector wiring    -   70 solar panel    -   71 positive terminal point    -   72 negative terminal point    -   74 bottom fan casing    -   76 transparent cover for 70 solar panel    -   78 smart device holder    -   84 magnets for 78 smart device holder    -   86 upper snap fastener    -   88 lower snap fastener insert    -   90 bottom fan casing air inlet in 74 bottom fan casing    -   94 air passage opening in 78 smart device holder for air flow    -   95 air flow grooves in 78 smart device holder

A single fan solar powered cooler for a smart device such as asmartphone or smart tablet is shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. FIG. 1provides a perspective view of certain assembled components of thesingle fan solar powered cooler for a smart device. FIG. 2 and FIG. 8are exploded perspective views of a single fan solar powered cooler fora smart device. The device is magnetically connected to smart deviceholder 78. The holder 78 incorporates air passage opening 94corresponding in position and size to the location of the protectivegrille 18 for fan blade 20 coupled to a fan motor spindle 50 for thefront fan motor 60. The protective grille 18 is attached to the upperfan casing 58 using protective grille insertion pegs 24. Air flow isdistributed over the bottom surface of a smart device by air flowgrooves 95 which are long narrow shapes coupled with the circular airpassage opening 94 incorporated in the upper surface of smart deviceholder 78. Thus, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 8 show the single fan solarpowered cooler which includes an upper fan casing 58 for front fan motor60, housing a protective grille 18 for fan blade 20, magnet holders forupper fan casing 34, magnets for the for connecting the smart deviceholder 36 held in place by magnet holder placement pegs 37, circularvent holes 42 for front fan motor 60, receiving hole 46 for fan motorspindle 50, electric connector wiring 68, solar panel 70, positiveterminal point 71, negative terminal point 72. FIG. 5 shows the bottomfan casing 74 providing support for the transparent cover 76 for solarpanel 70 and incorporates upper snap fastener 86, lower snap fastenerinsert 88, and bottom fan casing air inlets 90 in bottom fan casing 78.

Returning to FIG. 2, circular vent holes 42 for front fan motor 60 areformed in the upper fan casing 58. Smart device air flow passage 40 andcircular vent holes 42 for front fan motor 60 corresponding in positionand size to the location of the protective grille 18 for fan blade 20coupled to the fan motor spindle 50 for the front fan motor 60.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view along cut line VII-VII of FIG. 3. FIG. 7illustrates the smart device wherein a single fan solar powered cooleris magnetically connected to smart device holder 78. The air flow withinand parallel to smart device such as a smartphone or smart tabletwherein the single fan solar powered cooler is magnetically connected tosmart device holder 78 is blown vertically by the fan blade 20 coupledto the fan motor spindle 50 for the front fan motor 60. The smart devicesuch as a smartphone or smart tablet is cooled by the air flow producedby the fan blade 20 coupled to the fan motor spindle 50 for the frontfan motor 60.

The single fan solar powered cooler for a smart device addressesspecific portions of the bottom surface of the smart device which are tobe cooled. That is, the air blown up by the fan blade 20 coupled to thefan motor spindle 50 for the front fan motor 60, which are axial fans,into the smart device holder 78 is directly discharged horizontallythrough air flow grooves 95 which are long narrow shapes coupled withthe circular air passage opening 94. Accordingly, the entire area of thebottom surface of the smart device such as a smartphone or smart tabletis cooled.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, airexiting smart device air flow passage 40 and circular vent holes 42 ismoved along the bottom surface of the smart device contained within thesmart device holder 78, thereby cooling the bottom surface of the smartdevice. Heat dissipation is carried out at portions of the bottomsurface of the smart device with which the air collides. As a result,desired cooling is achieved.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the smart device may be magneticallyconnected to smart device holder 78 which incorporates air passageopening 94 corresponding in position and size to the location of theprotective grille 18 for fan blade 20 coupled to the fan motor spindle50 for the front fan motor 60 facilitates the continuous verticalalignment of air passage opening 94 with the corresponding protectivegrille 18 for fan blade 20 coupled to the fan motor spindle 50 for thefront fan motor 60. The air passage opening 94 acts as a conduit forguiding air drawn by the fan blade 20 coupled to the fan motor spindle50 for the front fan motor. The front fan motor 60 are not limited totheir positions and number as long as they can blow air into the airpassage opening 94. Additionally, a reduction in the height of the frontfan motor 60 and the fan motor spindle 50 can reduce the total height ofthe single fan solar powered cooler for a smart device.

The single fan solar powered cooler for a smart device constructed asdescribed above can cool the entire bottom surface area of the smartdevice such as a smartphone or smart tablet by magnetically connectingto smart device holder 78 to the upper fan casing 58. All of theindividual components may be glued to their corresponding connectingparts to remain in place, respectively. Additionally, cooling can beachieved as shown in other embodiments such as the dual fan solarpowered cooler for a smart device such as a smartphone or smart tablet.

In sum, in one embodiment of the present invention, air suction openingsfor single fan solar powered cooler for smart device include air flowpassage 40, circular vent holes 42 is formed on the top surface of ahousing upper fan casing 58 for front fan motor 60, and bottom fancasing air inlet 90 in bottom fan casing 74. An exhaust opening isformed on the top surface of a housing upper fan casing 58 throughprotective grille 18 for front fan blade 20 coupled to front fan motor60 circulating air flow through a smart device holder 78 with an airpassage opening 94 and air flow grooves 95 in smart device holder 78 forcooling the bottom surface of the smart device. The solar panel 70 forfront fan motor 60 is connected to positive terminal point 71 andnegative terminal point 72 using electric connector wiring 68 so thatthe fan motor may be driven by means of its power generation output.Thus, this portable type solar powered fan can be used simply withoutany place restrictions.

Referring to FIG. 17, the passive cooling (natural convection)characteristics of the smart device holder 78, for holding a smartdevice allows dissipation of thermal heat to cool the bottom surface ofa smart device by allowing the thermal heat generated to escape from thesmart device holder when the smart device holder is used as a standalonecomponent of this invention in the absence of solar power. Heatdissipation is carried out at portions of the bottom surface of thesmart device with which the air collides. As a result, desired coolingis achieved.

The following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figuresfor dual fan embodiments of the invention.

-   -   218 front protective grille for 220 front fan blade    -   228 rear protective grille for 214 rear fan blade    -   220 front fan blade    -   214 rear fan blade    -   224 protective grille insertion pegs    -   234 magnet holders for upper fan casing    -   236 magnets for the upper fan casing    -   237 magnet holder placement peg    -   240 smart device air flow passage    -   242 circular vent holes for 260 front fan motor and 266 rear fan        motor    -   246 receiving hole for 250 fan motor spindle    -   250 fan motor spindle    -   258 upper fan casing for 260 front fan motor and 266 rear fan        motor    -   260 front fan motor    -   266 rear fan motor    -   268 electric connector wiring    -   270 solar panel    -   271 positive terminal point    -   272 negative terminal point    -   274 bottom fan casing    -   276 transparent cover for 270 solar panel    -   278 smart device holder    -   284 magnets for 278 smart device holder    -   286 upper snap fastener    -   288 lower snap fastener insert    -   290 bottom fan casing air inlet in 274 bottom fan casing    -   294 air passage opening in 278 smart device holder for air flow    -   295 air flow grooves in 278 smart device holder    -   298 air passage opening in 278 smart device holder for air flow

In another embodiment, the invention provides a dual fan solar poweredcooler for a smart device, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9 through 16. FIG. 9provides a perspective view of certain assembled components of the duefan solar powered cooler for a smart device. FIG. 10 and FIG. 16 areexploded perspective views of a dual fan solar powered cooler for asmart device. The device is magnetically connected to smart deviceholder 278. The holder 278 incorporates air passage opening 294corresponding in position and size to the location of the frontprotective grille 218 for front fan blade 220. The holder 278incorporates air passage opening 298 corresponding in position and sizeto the location of and rear protective grille 228 for rear fan blade214. Blade 220 are coupled to the fan motor spindle 250 for the frontfan motor 260. The front protective grille 218 and rear protectivegrille 228 are attached to the upper fan casing 258 using protectivegrille insertion pegs 224. Air flow is distributed over the bottomsurface of smart device by air flow grooves 295 which are long narrowshapes coupled with the circular air passage opening 294 incorporated inthe upper surface of smart device holder 278.

FIG. 10 and FIG. 16 show a dual fan solar powered cooler which includesan upper fan casing 258 for a pair of motors, i.e., front fan motor 260and rear fan motor 266. Also shown housed by the casing 258 is a frontprotective grille 218 for front fan blade 220 and a rear protectivegrille 228 for rear fan blade 214, respectively. Additionally, providedare magnet holders for upper fan casing 234 and magnets for connectingthe smart device holder 236, which are held in place by magnet holderplacement pegs 237. Further provided are circular vent holes 242 forfront fan motor 260 and rear fan motor 266, receiving hole 246 for fanmotor spindle 250, electric connector wiring 268, solar panel 270,positive terminal point 271, and negative terminal point 272.

FIG. 13 shows the bottom fan casing 274 that provides support for thetransparent cover 276 for solar panel 270. As shown in FIG. 10, thebottom fan casing 274 also incorporates upper snap fastener 286, lowersnap fastener insert 288, and bottom fan casing air inlets 290. Circularvent holes 242 are formed in the upper fan casing 258 for front fanmotor 260 and rear fan motor 266. Smart device air flow passage 240 andcircular vent holes 242 for front fan motor 260 and rear fan motor 266correspond in position and size to the location of the front protectivegrille 218 for front fan blade 220 and rear protective grille 228 forrear fan blade 214, which are coupled to the fan motor spindle 250 forfront fan motor 260 and rear fan motor 266, respectively.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view along cut line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11illustrates the smart device wherein the dual fan solar powered cooleris magnetically connected to smart device holder 278. Air flow withinand parallel to smart device wherein the dual fan solar powered cooleris magnetically connected to smart device holder 278 is forcedperpendicular to the front fan blade 220 and rear fan blade 214 coupledto their fan motor spindle 250 for front fan motor 260 and rear fanmotor 266, respectively. The smart device is thereby cooled by the airflow produced by the front fan blade 220 and rear fan blade 214 coupledto their fan motor spindle 250 for front fan motor 260 and rear fanmotor 266, respectively.

As shown FIG. 10 and FIG. 16, the dual fan solar powered cooler for asmart device addresses specific portions of the bottom surface of thesmart device which are to be cooled. That is, the air is blown upward bythe front fan blade 220 and rear fan blade 214, which are coupled totheir fan motor spindle 250 for the front fan motor 260 and rear fanmotor 266, respectively. Air from these axial fans is introduced intothe smart device holder 278 and directly discharged upward flowing airthrough air flow grooves 295 which are long narrow shapes coupled withthe circular air passage opening 294. Accordingly, the entire area ofthe bottom surface of the smart device such as a smartphone or smarttablet is cooled.

Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15, the air exitingsmart device air flow passage 240 and circular vent holes 242 is movedalong the bottom surface of the smart device such as a smartphone orsmart tablet contained within the smart device holder 278, therebycooling the bottom surface of the smart device such as a smartphone orsmart tablet. Portions of the bottom surface of the smart device withwhich the air collides are cooled via heat dissipation. That is,magnetically connected to smart device holder 278 which incorporates airpassage opening 294 corresponding in position and size to the locationof the front protective grille 218 for front fan blade 220 and rearprotective grille 228 for rear fan blade 214. Fan motor spindle 250 forthe front fan motor 260 facilitates the continuous vertical alignment ofair passage opening 294 with the corresponding front protective grille218 and rear protective grille 228 coupled to their fan motor spindle250, respectively. The air passage opening 294 acts as a conduit forguiding air drawn by the front fan blade 220 and rear fan blade 214coupled to their fan motor spindle 250 for the front fan motor,respectively. The front fan motor 260 and rear fan motor 266, are notlimited to their positions and number as long as they can blow air intothe air passage opening 294. Additionally, a reduction in the height ofthe front fan motor 260 and rear fan motor 266, and their respective fanmotor spindle 250 can reduce the total height of the dual fan solarpowered cooler for a smart device.

The dual fan solar powered cooler for a smart device constructed asdescribed above can cool the entire bottom surface area of the smartdevice such as a smartphone or smart tablet by magnetically connected tosmart device holder 278 to the upper fan casing 258. All of theindividual components are glued to their corresponding connecting partsto remain in place, respectively.

In sum, air suction openings for dual fan solar powered cooler for smartdevice are shown as smart device air flow passage 240. Circular ventholes 242 are formed on top surface of a housing upper fan casing 258for front fan motor 260 and rear fan motor 266. Bottom fan casing airinlet 290 is located in bottom fan casing 274. An exhaust opening isformed on the top surface of a housing upper fan casing 258 throughfront protective grille 218 for front fan blade 220 and through rearprotective grille 228 for rear fan blade 214, each circulating air flowthrough a smart device holder 278 with dual air passage openings 294 and298 with air flow grooves 295 in smart device holder 278 for cooling thebottom surface of the smart device. The solar panel 270 for front fanmotor 260 and rear fan motor 266 is connected to positive terminal point271 and negative terminal point 272 using electric connector wiring 268so that the fan motors may be driven by means of its power generationoutput. Thus, this portable type solar powered fan can be used simplywithout any place restrictions.

Referring to FIG. 18, the passive cooling (natural convection)characteristics of the smart device holder 278, for holding a smartdevice allows dissipation of thermal heat to cool the bottom surface ofa smart device by allowing the thermal heat generated to escape from thesmart device holder when the smart device holder is used as a standalonecomponent of this invention in the absence of solar power. Heatdissipation is carried out at portions of the bottom surface of thesmart device with which the air collides. As a result, desired coolingis achieved.

As described above, the invention allows air to uniformly collide with abottom surface of a smart device such as a smartphone or smart tablet.As a result, the invention provides more effectively cooling of thesmart device when compared conventional implementations of fans incombination with smart devices.

The invention may exhibit a number of other advantages as well. Forexample, wind produced by the fan is typically effective to coolexcessive temperatures, and may be directly and personally used byindividual away from their usual premises and without any power mainssupply available (for example train compartment etc.). That is,individuals may wish to protect themselves from or to alleviateexcessive temperatures or their unpleasant attendant manifestations(including perspiration) through the use of the invention. Prior artfans are fundamentally unsuitable for this because they are generallytoo large and bulky and/or because they do not have an independent powersupply. That is, they are tied to buildings.

In contrast, the invention provides a light, handy design and isequipped with built-in and independent power supply facilities. Theseindependent electrical energy sources in particular may comprise anaccumulator, with a charging device and a mains connection, a storagebattery, also with a charging device and a mains connection, a drybattery and last but not least solar power on the basis of thephotovoltaic effect.

The invention may also help prevent smart devices from overheating, orcatching on fire. Some prior art devices are fundamentally unsuitablefor external use outside of a motor vehicles air conditioning vent.

Variations of the invention are possible. For example, multiple solarpanels can be used for two or more fan motors, in series, parallel or inthe combination of these. Such panels may be formed from a plurality ofphotovoltaic cells immobilized relative to the smart device. The cellsform a solar panel that converts sunlight and other photonic radiantenergy electric power. Similarly, in some embodiments, at least oneblowing fan and at least one exhaust fan and electrically connected tothe output terminals of the electric connector.

As a first variant, the smart device holder may have a construction thatallows horizontal air flow over a bottom surface of the smart device byactive cooling (forced convection) or passive cooling (naturalconvection).

As a second variant, the smart device holder may have one or more ventholes in conjunction with one or more air flow grooves which areelongated narrow shapes coupled with one or more circular air passageopenings incorporated in the upper surface of smart device holder.

As a third variant, the heat dissipation structure of the smart deviceholder may be disposed in the close proximity space of the smart deviceto provide a good heat dissipation effect by way of active cooling(forced convection) and passive cooling (natural convection) so as toenhance the heat dissipation performance of the smart device.

As a fourth variant, the upper surface of smart device holder mayaddress the active cooling (forced convection) characteristics of smartdevices to cool the bottom surface of a smart device by providing activecooling (forced convection) by forcing the thermal heat generated toescape from the smart device holder.

As a fifth variant, air drawn in by the one or more cooling fans may beforced through the air passage and discharged through the one or morevent holes in order to cool the bottom surface of a smart device in thesmart device holder.

As a sixth variant, the smart device may be provided in a manner suchthat air directed toward the bottom surface of the smart device flowshorizontally over the bottom surface.

As a seventh variant, the upper surface of smart device holder mayaddress the passive cooling (natural convection) characteristics ofsmart devices to cool the bottom surface of a smart device by allowingthe thermal heat generated to escape from the smart device holder bypassive cooling (natural convection) when the smart device holder isused as a standalone component.

As an eighth variant, a solar panel protector cover may be providedhaving a clear plastic window over the solar panel, the solar panelprotector cover secured to the solar panel with snap fastener and insertelements.

As a ninth variant, one or more cooling fans and one or more chargerunits may be provided for charging the power supply for a smart device.They may be located between the upper fan and charger unit casing andthe bottom fan and charger unit casing with a construction that allowshorizontal air flow over a bottom surface of the smart device by activecooling (forced convection) or passive cooling (natural convection).

As a tenth variant, at least one fan may rotate about a substantiallyvertical axis. In such a case, the heat dissipation structure of thesmart device holder may be disposed in the close proximity space of thesmart device to provide a good heat dissipation effect by way of activecooling (forced convection) and passive cooling (natural convection) soas to enhance the heat dissipation performance of the smart device.

As an eleventh variant, the inventive cooler may have one or more ventholes and one or more receiving hole for the solar powered charger unitformed in the upper and/or lower fan and charger unit casing inconjunction with one or more air flow grooves which are elongated narrowshapes coupled with one or more circular air passage openingsincorporated in the upper surface of smart device holder. The smartdevice holder may contain the smart device in a manner such that airdirected toward the bottom surface of the smart device flowshorizontally over the bottom surface may be forced through the airpassage and discharged through the one or more vent holes in order tocool the bottom surface of a smart device in the smart device holder.

It is to be understood that, while the invention has been described inconjunction with the preferred specific embodiments thereof, theforegoing description merely illustrates and does not limit the scope ofthe invention. Numerous alternatives and equivalents exist which do notdepart from the invention set forth above. For example, any particularembodiment of the invention, e.g., those depicted in any drawing herein,may be modified to include or exclude features of other embodiments.Other aspects, advantages, and modifications within the scope of theinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains.

I claim:
 1. A solar powered cooler for a smart device, comprising: anupper fan casing; a bottom fan casing; a smart device holder for holdinga smart device; one or more cooling fans effective to draw air into anair passage formed between the upper fan casing and the smart deviceholder, thereby forcing air to flow along a substantially verticaldirection toward a bottom surface of the smart device in a substantiallyhorizontal orientation; and one or more solar panels for harvestingsolar energy and delivering electric power to the one or more coolingfans, the one or more solar panels connected to the one or more fans viaone or more connector cables.
 2. The smart device holder of claim 1,wherein the smart device holder has a construction that allowshorizontal air flow over a bottom surface of the smart device by activecooling (forced convection) or passive cooling (natural convection). 3.The smart device holder of claim 1, wherein the smart device holder hasone or more vent holes in conjunction with one or more air flow grooveswhich are elongated narrow shapes coupled with one or more circular airpassage openings incorporated in the upper surface of smart deviceholder.
 4. The smart device holder of claim 1, wherein the heatdissipation structure of the smart device holder is disposed in a closeproximity space of the smart device to provide a good heat dissipationeffect by way of active cooling (forced convection) and passive cooling(natural convection) so as to enhance the heat dissipation performanceof the smart device.
 5. The smart device holder of claim 2, wherein theupper surface of smart device holder addresses the active cooling(forced convection) characteristics of smart devices to cool the bottomsurface of a smart device by providing active cooling (forcedconvection) by forcing the thermal heat generated to escape from thesmart device holder.
 6. The smart device holder of claim 4, wherein airdrawn in by the one or more cooling fans may be forced through the airpassage and discharged through the one or more vent holes in order tocool the bottom surface of a smart device in the smart device holder. 7.The smart device holder of claim 5, wherein the smart device in a mannersuch that air directed toward the bottom surface of the smart deviceflows horizontally over the bottom surface.
 8. The smart device holderof claim 2, wherein the upper surface of smart device holder addressesthe passive cooling (natural convection) characteristics of smartdevices to cool the bottom surface of a smart device by allowing thethermal heat generated to escape from the smart device holder by passivecooling (natural convection) when the smart device holder is used as astandalone component.
 9. A solar powered cooler for a smart device,comprising an upper fan casing including one or more vent holes; abottom fan casing including one or more air inlet holes located at ornear an edge of the bottom fan casing, the upper and bottom fan casingdefining an air passage to allow air flow from the one or more air inletholes to the one or more vent holes; a smart device holder for holding asmart device to dissipate thermal heat generated by smart device to bereleased by active cooling (forced convection) forced through the airpassages and discharged through the one or more vent holes in order tocool the bottom surface of a smart device in the smart device holder;one or more cooling fans effective to draw air into the air passage soas to force air to flow along a substantially vertical direction throughthe one or more vent holes toward a bottom surface of the smart device;and one or more solar panels for harvesting solar energy and deliveringelectric power to the one or more cooling fans, the one or more solarpanels connected to the one or more fans via one or more connectorcables.
 10. A solar powered cooler for a smart device, comprising: asmart device holder to dissipate thermal heat generated by smart deviceto be released by passive cooling (natural convection) and radiationforced through the air passages and discharged through the one or morevent holes in order to cool the bottom surface of a smart device in thesmart device holder when the smart device holder is used as a standalonecomponent; and the upper surface of smart device holder addresses thepassive cooling (natural convection) characteristics of smart devices tocool the bottom surface of a smart device by allowing the thermal heatgenerated to escape from the smart device holder by passive cooling(natural convection) when the smart device holder is used as astandalone component.
 11. A solar powered cooler for a smart device,comprising: an upper fan and charger unit casing; a bottom fan andcharger unit casing; a smart device holder for holding a smart device;one or more charger units for charging the power supply for a smartdevice; one or more cooling fans effective to draw air into an airpassage formed between the upper fan casing and the smart device holder,thereby forcing air to flow along a substantially vertical directiontoward a bottom surface of the smart device in a substantiallyhorizontal orientation; and one or more solar panels for harvestingsolar energy and delivering electric power to the one or more coolingfans and one or more charger units for charging the power supply for asmart device, the one or more solar panels connected to the one or morefans and one or more charger units via one or more connector cables. 12.The cooler of claim 11, further comprising a solar panel protector coverhaving a clear plastic window over the solar panel, the solar panelprotector cover secured to the solar panel with snap fastener and insertelements.
 13. The cooler of claim 11, wherein the one or more coolingfans and one or more charger units for charging the power supply for asmart device are located between the upper fan and charger unit casingand the bottom fan and charger unit casing with a construction thatallows horizontal air flow over a bottom surface of the smart device byactive cooling (forced convection) or passive cooling (naturalconvection).
 14. The cooler of claim 11, wherein at least one fanrotates about a substantially vertical axis wherein the heat dissipationstructure of the smart device holder is disposed in the close proximityspace of the smart device to provide a good heat dissipation effect byway of active cooling (forced convection) and passive cooling (naturalconvection) so as to enhance the heat dissipation performance of thesmart device.
 15. The cooler of claim 11, having one or more vent holesand one or more receiving hole for the solar powered charger unit formedin the upper and/or lower fan and charger unit casing in conjunctionwith one or more air flow grooves which are elongated narrow shapescoupled with one or more circular air passage openings incorporated inthe upper surface of smart device holder.
 16. The cooler of claim 15,wherein the smart device holder contains the smart device in a mannersuch that air directed toward the bottom surface of the smart deviceflows horizontally over the bottom surface may be forced through the airpassage and discharged through the one or more vent holes in order tocool the bottom surface of a smart device in the smart device holder.17. The cooler of claim 16, wherein the smart device is attached to theupper fan and charger unit casing by magnetic means.
 18. The cooler ofclaim 17, wherein the smart device is a smartphone or smart tablet, thesolar powered cooler.
 19. A solar powered cooler for a smart device,comprising: an upper fan and charger unit casing including one or morevent holes and one or more receiving holes for charger units; a bottomfan and charger unit casing including one or more air inlet holeslocated at or near an edge of the bottom fan and charger unit casing,the upper and bottom fan and charger unit casing defining an air passageto allow air flow from the one or more air inlet holes to the one ormore vent holes and one or more receiving holes for charger units; asmart device holder for holding a smart device; one or more cooling fanseffective to draw air into the air passage so as to force air to flowalong a substantially vertical direction through the one or more ventholes toward a bottom surface of the smart device; and one or more solarpanels for harvesting solar energy and delivering electric power to theone or more cooling fans and one or more charger units, the one or moresolar panels connected to the one or more fans and one or more chargerunits via one or more connector cables.
 20. A solar powered cooler for asmart device, comprising: an upper fan casing including one or more ventholes; a bottom fan and charger unit casing including one or more airinlet holes located at or near an edge of the bottom fan casing, theupper and bottom fan casing defining an air passage to allow air flowfrom the one or more air inlet holes to the one or more vent holes; asmart device holder for holding a smart device; one or more cooling fansand one or more charger units located between the upper and lower fanand charger unit casings, the one or more cooling fans covering the oneor more air inlet holes effective to draw air into the air passage so asto force air to flow along a substantially vertical direction toward abottom surface of the smart device and the one or more charger unitscapable of charging power supply for the smart device; and one or moresolar panels for harvesting solar energy and delivering electric powerto the one or more cooling fans and one or more charger units, the oneor more solar panels connected to the one or more fans and one or morecharger units via one or more connector cables.